AAEA is an environmental organization founded in 1985 that is dedicated to protecting the environment, enhancing human, animal and plant ecologies, promoting the efficient use of natural resources, increasing African American participation in the environmental movement and promoting ownership of energy infrastructure and resources. We resolve environmental problems through the application of practical environmental solutions.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The White House Forum on Urban Innovation

AAEA participated in a forum at The White House yesterday that brought people from all over the country to share information about innovations in their respective areas. The White House Forum on Urban Innovation is a part of a new set of conversations hosted by The White House to spotlight stories of social innovation on the ground. The White House wanted to learn from pioneers who are driving change in challenging times and to explore new ways federal policymaking can support their endeavors.

Today, many of our cities are growing at a faster rate than our suburbs, a phenomenon we have not seen since the 1920s. Within those cities, many neighborhoods have struggled with concentrated poverty and economic immobility for generations. These innovations exemplify the goals of the Obama administration and the best of Aemrican ingenuity in creating jobs, improving economic resilience, and strengthening urban communities.

Opening remarks were provided by Racquel Russell, Deputy Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs and Economic Mobility and Jonathan Greenblatt, Director, White House Office of Social Innovation and Civil Participation.

Administration perspectives were given by Valerie Jarrrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President and Cecilia Munoz, Director, White House Domestic Policy Council.